Apr 15, 2008 9:32 AM

Lisa Fernandez, a three-time Olympic champion and one of the best pitchers in the world, wasn't good enough to beat out Jennie Finch, Cat Osterman and Monica Abbott to make the U.S. National Team's final Olympic roster as the team readies for Beijing.

A few weeks ago, Fernandez admitted she was having a tough time getting her skills back, but was confident she could still play at a high level.

However, head coach Mike Candrea didn't think Fernandez got back to her usual dominating self after taking three years off to start a family.

Do you think Lisa Fernandez should have been included on the Olympic roster because of her versatility and experience--or does Team USA have the most solid squad possible now?

I think they have the best squad possible - even if they did get beat by the Hokies. I still think Lisa should have been given some kind of coaching role on the team, just in respect to her leadership abilities and history with the team. I do have to agree with Coach C for not putting her on the roster, though. He owes to everyone on that team to put the best possible team on the field, which he has always done. Can't wait to see Team USA play Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh. It's a historic event!

Is it really unreasonable for the Olympics to offer a player a lifetime achievement slot on the roster? You surely want to represent with the best at the Olympics, but some situations have opportunities for compromise - this seems like it might be one.

If she were better then all the other pitchers she'd be on the team. I believe that leadership can make or break a team, but it would be unfair if the other pitchers were better and one of them didn't make it. Having said that, the pitchers on the team will definitely be in the spotlight. They better prove themselves!

Northbay/JBan - I agree with you. I can't believe the Team USA family that she has belonged to for so long now couldn't get her on board somehow.

Sportsgrl - I also agree with you. I don't believe at any level, especially the Olympics, that anyone other than the people that can get the work done the best deserve the job (assuming that Candrea's assessment of her not getting back to where she was before she took the break to start a family is correct.)

So this is the solution I propse. I think having her slide into a coaching position on the Olympic team seems like the most natural and intuitive progression if she can't be on the team (without knowing if this is something she would want of not, of course). In addition to being at the very base and core of the U.S. Olympic successall of the hard work, experiences, intensity, etc.she's also been a coach at UCLA, college softball's most historically dominant program, for 10 years now! I can't think of anyone more highly qualified. And I truly enjoyed having her to look up to while developing my own sense of being a female athlete.

I think it's important to note in this situation that aside from her various pitching accolades and the intangibles she brings to the table--experience, heart, determination, etc.... the woman can hit. Lisa Fernandez set the Olympic record in 2004 for highest batting average by hitting .545.

I know the focus will mostly always be on her pitching and if she returned to form on the mound--but she is also one of the best hitters the game has seen.

If they won't put a player who threw a no hitter and only allowed one base runner on a walk on the team, they have no idea of sending the best players to Bejing. Too much money, too many egos, too many personal incentives to make a fair decision to send the best. Ask this team when they want to show off against Angela Tincher again.

I think part of what makes up a good player is experience, and clearly Lisa Fernandez has that. The question really is at what level can she play. If she is only a little behind the other players skills-wise then I think the experience should have been enough to bridge that gap, however, if she is really that far behind then I can understand the decision. Regardless she should be involved with the team.

Lisa Fernandez, a three-time Olympic champion and one of the best pitchers in the world, wasn't good enough to beat out Jennie Finch, Cat Osterman and Monica Abbott to make the U.S. National Team's final Olympic roster as the team readies for Beijing.

A few weeks ago, Fernandez admitted she was having a tough time getting her skills back, but was confident she could still play at a high level.

However, head coach Mike Candrea didn't think Fernandez got back to her usual dominating self after taking three years off to start a family.

Do you think Lisa Fernandez should have been included on the Olympic roster because of her versatility and experience--or does Team USA have the most solid squad possible now?

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